Nutrients. 2018;10(3)
Plain language summary
The Western diet is characteristically high in ultra-processed foods, which may change the gut microbiome. As the gut microbiome is unique, any alterations may be associated with disease. This review study aimed to highlight how ultra-processing can affect the gut microbiome and its impact on the development of disease to better inform dietary guidelines. Associations between poor health outcomes and ultra-processed foods have been shown with processed meats, refined grains, and processed fish. Traditionally research has focussed on added salt, sugar and fat, however processed foods may contain or be processed in a way that promotes disease. Gut microbial changes can be driven by diet, which could be detrimental, permanent, and inheritable. Food processing such as heat treatment, and additives such as sweeteners and emulsifiers can all alter the gut microbiota, however these do not need to undergo microbiome testing before being approved for consumption. Effects of ultra-processed foods on the gut microbiome need to be extensively investigated in terms of health outcomes to better inform dietary guidelines. This study could be used by healthcare professionals to better understand how ultra-processed foods play a part in diseases beyond that of added salt, fat and sugar and that the microbiome has a pivotal role.